Atlanta Bites: Where and what to eat this month | October 2024

ATLANTA - Here is a roundup of the latest restaurant news from around metro Atlanta for the month of October.

HALLOWEEN & DAY OF THE DEAD 

Bitzel's Chocolates in Suwanee  is offering several fun, spooky treats for the Halloween season, including OREO and Rice Krispy creations. These delectable goodies are available through Oct. 31.

The Blind Pig has transformed into The Wicked Pig for the Halloween season. With its frightful décor and ghostly vibes, this speakeasy promises an unforgettable experience with devilishly delightful Halloween-themed cocktails like the Red Blood Moon margarita and pumpkin spice espresso martini. Guests can also enjoy a haunting array of light bites, including prosciutto crostini with eyeball olives and mummy dogs in puff pastry. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until late. Reservations recommended. 

O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar is offering a kids eat free deal on Halloween and a Halloween eGift Card Flash Sale allowing guests to purchase a $50 gift card for just $40. The celebrations continue post-holiday with $6 cheeseburgers Nov. 3-7. More info 

Duck's Donuts is offering a Spooky Box in honor of Halloween. This year’s Spooky Box features two new tasty enhancements to the donuts, along with limited-edition packaging. The special packaging is available only with the purchase of the Spooky Box, while supplies last. The haunting flavors are available now through Nov. 3. More info

Dunkin' (multiple locations) has introduced a brand-new Halloween lineup that includes the brand-new Potion Macchiato, a revamped version of the Spider Specialty Donut, and a Halloween MUNCHKINS Bucket that can be filled with a 50-count assortment of MUNCHKINS Donut Hole Treats.  More info

Marcus Bar & Grille is celebrating Halloween with a spooky event featuring "Zombie Juice," a delicious 1804 Rum Punch served with dry ice for a smoky effect ($16). Guests can also enjoy a live DJ and complimentary candy from the MB&G team, dressed as their favorite musical artists—zombie style! While the event is one night only, the Halloween cocktail special runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2. More info 

McAlister's Deli is bringing back their Witch's Brew beverage and introducing a new Trick-or-Treat Cookie for Halloween. Available through Oct. 31. 

Rreal Tacos (multiple locations) is offering a limited-time Halloween birria taco with a vibrant blue corn tortilla. They are also featuring several Halloween-themed drinks, including La Catrina in honor of the Day of the Dead, the Zombie Punch made with tequila and passion fruit liqueur, and Witches' Brew, a spooky and colorful margarita. More info

The Iberian Pig’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner returns for its 8th year at the Decatur location with this year’s theme: Midnight at the Masquerade. On Halloween night, starting at 6 p.m., enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and an interactive show while uncovering which masked partygoer is the culprit. Tickets are $100 per guest and include dinner and the show (excluding beverages, gratuity, and tax). Guests are encouraged to dress in masquerade attire. More info

Kids in Halloween costumes eat free Oct. 24 through Oct. 31 at Nakato Japanese Restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road NE. Kids 12 and under can choose their favorite Kids' Hibachi Meal or Kids' Bento Box and their dinner is free, limit 2 free kids meals per table, with the purchase of adult meals. More info

STK Steakhouse is celebrating the spooky season with a blend of spice and charity in support of breast cancer research. The restaurant has been transformed with eerie decor and the beloved Welcome Back Pumpkin menu has returned. Guests can indulge in pumpkin-spiced delights like the Pumpkin Smash Bourbon, Pumpkin Spice Martini, Pumpkin Lobster Ravioli, Duck Smashed Burgers, and the irresistible Pumpkin Pie. A portion of the proceeds from their Halloween cocktails, which include the Poisoned Apple, Black Widow and Green Intensity, will benefit cancer research. More info

Superica is celebrating Day of the Dead Oct. 28 through Nov. 3 at all locations with Day of the Dead decorations, an ofrenda, $12 Macha Wings, and extra spooky cocktails: the Morgue-rita, The Devil’s Margarita, Sugar Skull + Vampire Weekend. More info

EVENTS

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park is celebrating "Brat Summer" before Charlie XCX's performance at State Farm Arena on Oct. 3 with Build-Your-Own XCX Beer Brats. Available in the hotel lobby. More info

Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead Village is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Oct. 10. Starting at 3 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy an array of exciting food specials, including a paella station and more. Adding to the celebration, a flamenco guitarist will perform from 4-8 p.m., followed by a DJ spinning tunes until close. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy drink features, a 360-degree photo booth, giveaways, and other fun surprises. Reservations are recommended. More info

Whiskies of the World is happening 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Intercontinental Buckhead, 3315 Peachtree Road NE. This tasting experience offers samples of over 150 whiskies featuring brands like Breckenridge Distillery, Bushwood, Garrison Brothers, Michter’s, RD1, and Uncle Nearest. Attendees will have the chance to expand their palates and explore the world of whisky, one dram at a time. Tickets start at $125 ($175 for VIP). More info

Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails is hosting two Garden Dinner events on Oct. 13 and 20. These farm-to-table events start with a garden tour and hors d’oeuvres in Milton’s Acre, followed by a four-course dinner featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Paired with wine and set to the soothing sounds of a cellist, these dinners offer a serene and flavorful evening. Tickets are $165, which includes wine, tax, and gratuity. More info

Marcus Bar & Grille’s executive chef Gary Caldwell is teaming up with Robert Butts of Twisted Soul for a special "Gary & Friends" event on Oct. 16. From 4 to 10 p.m., enjoy a Creole seafood boil paired with a complimentary Navet cocktail, a live DJ, and various local vendors, along with the happy hour and à la carte menus. Tickets for the seafood boil are $60 for adults and $30 for children. More info 

Taste of Buckhead returns on Oct. 17. Participating restaurants include Fogo de Chao, Palm Restaurant, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Grits & Eggs, Toast on Lenox, NaanStop, Henri's Bakery & Deli, Piece of Cake, and DaVinci's Donuts. Tickets start at $50. More info

A Taste of Chamblee is happening from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19 in downtown Chamblee. There will be a variety of craft vendors, a Kids Zone, a wine down tent with live performances, and a fan-filled beer garden with football on the big screens. More info

Buena Vida Tapas Bar on Angier Avenue is hosting an exclusive Classic Cocktail Class led by bar manager George Scott on Oct. 24. Attendees will enjoy a a hands-on experience crafting three timeless cocktails: Dark ‘n Stormy, mojito and paloma. The evening includes delicious small bites to pair perfectly with each drink, creating a night of fun and learning. Cost is $39 per person. More info

Atlantic Station's Restaurant Week is happening Oct. 21-27. Enjoy specially curated prix fixe menus at exceptional prices, along with exclusive deals from local retailers. Some of the restaurants include Angry Crab Shack, Atlantic Grill, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, Salata, and Toscano Ristorante Italiano. Participating retailers include Dillards, The Sistah Shop and others. Also, free gifts when you spend $50 or $125 at participating locations. More info

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is hosting an exclusive event, Fall Flame Festival, in partnership with The Big Green Egg, and celebrity chefs, Christan Willis and Matt Bolus, from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26, with a VIP reception from 5 to 6 p.m. The family-friendly event will include creative cocktails, live music, face painting and balloon animals, pumpkin painting, and outdoor games. Guests will also be able to experience the hotel's new Observation Bee Hive during the event. Tickets are $75 per person for general admission, $100 with inclusion of the VIP reception, $30 for children ages 4-12 and free for children three and under. Ticket includes all culinary experiences, activities, one drink ticket and complimentary self-parking. Cash bar will be available as well. More info. 

The Iberian Pig’s Decatur location is hosting a festive cocktail class on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m., where guests can learn to craft delightfully spooky cocktails. For $45, enhance your seasonal mixology skills and add some flair to your Halloween gatherings. The full cocktail menu will be available for purchase. More info

Southern Grit author and Top Chef winner Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark is signing copies of her new book, "Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings Plus Entertgaining Inspiration, Tips, and 100+ Recipes," at Gillespie's Woodland Hills restaurant on Zonolite Road on Oct. 27. Tickets are $75 per person. More info

NaanStop Atlantic Station and the Atlanta Film Society are throwing a Diwali Bash on Oct. 29. During Diwali, families celebrate life and commit to choosing light over darkness with prayers, candles, lights, firecrackers, and shared meals and sweets. NaanStop’s Diwali Bash starts at 5:30 p.m. with drinks and bites, arts and crafts, a mehndi artist, dancers, and a Bollywood film beginning at 6 p.m. More info

JUST OPENED/OPENING SOON

May Peel has opened inside Hotel Granada in Midtown Atlanta. May Peel is a dimly lit space situated on the Club Level that feels like a hidden retreat within the hotel. It features a sleek curved bar, cozy banquettes, and stylish tables. Named in honor of Titanic survivor and former resident of the Granada Apartments, Lily May Futrelle (née Peel), May Peel offers craft cocktails and light bites. More info

A new location of gusto! opened in Atlanta's West End at 929 Lee Street SW at the end of September. The new location features a large patio and greenspace along with a diverse menu. The brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary in late 2024. More info

Chick-fil-A opened a new location on South Fulton Parkway on Sept. 26, owned and operated by Atlanta native Brooke Smith. The new restaurant added approximately 120 full- and part-time jobs to the South Fulton community. More info

First Watch is opening a new location in Athens on Oct. 21. To celebrate, customers who dine in from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25 will receive free coffee with their meal. The new location can be found at 140 Alps Road. The new restaurant will employ approximately 30 people while operating on a one-shift a day. More info

Nan Thai Buckhead has opened at 3050 Peachtree Road. For fans of the original Nan Thai in Midtown, the new restaurant at 3050 Peachtree Road is a nod to family tradition with a firm eye on the future.  The new restaurant allows the mother-and-daughter chefs to integrate Chef Nan’s traditional approach with Chef DeeDee’s modern sensibilities to create a fresh dining experience in Buckhead. Starters include mushroom wonton soup, octopus lemongrass salad, and Nan's signature crispy calamari. Chef's selections include Nan's signature filet of whole red snapper, Nan's signature lamb shank, Wagyu beef cheeks, scallop linguinie and Khao mok ped with slow-cooked duck leg. More info

Toastique, the gourmet toast and juice café, will open its first location in Atlanta on Oct. 5 at 1230 West Peachtree Street NW in the Hanover Midtown luxury apartment complex. Franchisee Nicole Wiley is leading the new Atlanta location, which offers gourmet toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, bowls, coffee, and grab-and-go options. The first 100 guests will receive $50 in reward dollars with a $10 purchase, to be used towards future visits with a Toastique loyalty account. More info

NEW MENU ITEMS OR SPECIALS

North Italia is introducing its fall/winter menu on Oct. 30. Highlights include a seasonal vegetable salad featuring butternut squash and Brussels sprouts; a farmers market board; Burrata Di Stagione; Lasagna Bianca Al Forno (first time North Italia has ever offered a lasagna for dine-in); hot Italian stromboli (lunch only); and pumpkin praline butter cake. Their craft cocktail list has also received a seasonal refresh. More info

Wayback Burgers has announced new fall menu items available through Nov. 29. The specials include the Sweet Bacon Burger, Cheese Fries, and the Cookie Butter Shake. The Sweet Bacon Burger is made with two beef patties, cheddar cheese, crispy candied bacon, and a sweet and tangy bourbon mustard. It is available for a suggested price of $8.99. More info

Rock N Roll Sushi (multiple locations) is rolling out three new menu items starting Oct. 8. The items include the Hot Hot Honey Roll made with fresh yellowfin tuna, drizzled with house-made hot honey and spicy mayo; Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice made with spicy tuna, spicy mayo, ponzu, and house-made hot honey; and the Sake Mule, served on the rocks and garnished with a lime edge and pickled ginger. More info

Culver's (multiple locations) is introducing Hot Honey Cheese Curds on Oct. 15, which is also known as National Cheese Curd Day. The famous CurderBurger has returned for a limited time through Oct. 14. Additionally, Culver's is offering Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer and Pumpkin Spice Shake through Dec. 1. More info

Kona Grill has introduced the Taste of Kona menu for just $39. Guests can enjoy a curated 3-course dinner, complete with glass of wine of bubbles. Menu choices include snall house field salad, 6 oz New York strip steak and New York cheesecake; small chopped salad, lemon garlic penne with shrimp and chocolate cake; and small Asian salad, 2 sushi rolls and double stacked brownie. More info 

Ocean & Acre in Alpharetta is elevating Sundays with its Bubbles & Pearls pairings. Every Sunday, guests can enjoy three fresh oysters perfectly complemented by a half glass of paired wine for just $15. For those with a bigger appetite, a full dozen oysters of any variety is available for $36. Guests can also indulge in featured wines by the bottle for $48. More info

Double Zero’s fall prix fixe menu is available every evening through Nov. 30. Enjoy a curated selection of popular appetizers, main courses, and desserts, including garlic knots, DZ Bolognese, seasonal gelato, and a variety of delicious pizzas, all for just $45. Dine-in only. More info.

Rush Bowls in Atlanta and Sandy Springs is offering the I Love Chamoy Mangonada Bowl during the month of October. This seasonal treat blends mango, pineapple, and mango juice with I Love Chamoy's signature spicy-sweet sauce and Chilito seasoning. More info

La Tavola’s annual Abbondanza, a 10-day menu celebrating fall harvest flavors, is back. This special lineup draws inspiration from central Italy, showcasing autumnal Italian dishes. Highlights include gnocchi with ricotta, chestnut brown butter, burnt mushroom, and sage; cavatelli with Georgia rabbit ragu, olive, and rosemary; wild boar with broccoli, caciocavallo, and persimmon; and roasted duck with farro verde, beets, and pomegranate. More info

One Flew South at The Beltline will debut a Sunday Jazz Brunch on Oct. 6 featuring tableside made-to-order omelets and tropical mimosa flights. Guests can also choose from dishes like chicken and waffles or spicy shrimp gambas omelets. Additionally, the three-course Friday night dinner experience is available for $100 per guest, plus $45 for a beverage pairing. Menu highlights include deviled eggs, salmon curry, beef flat iron steak, and bread pudding. Their refreshed happy hour, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, features 2 for $10 cocktails, half-priced ($2) oysters, $5 drafts, and select wines, along with small plates like $6 Korean fried chicken, pork belly bun, or tuna poke taco. More info

Nothing Bundt Cakes (multiple locations) is offering Atlanta residents an affordable way to indulge their sweet tooth for less than $8. The brand has released two new flavors this month -- chocolate toffee crunk (available through Oct. 20) and OREO Dirt Cake (available Oct. 28-Nov. 10). More info

Schlotzsky's is offering catering bundles that are perfect for any game day celebration. Until 10/31, consumers can get $20 off any catering order of $200+ using the code SPOOKY20. Offerings include a sandwich and salad bundle, a soup and salad bundle, a wrap and soup bundles, a pizza bundle, and a mac & cheese bundle. Order must be placed through Schlotzskys.com, 855-DELIVER, or direct order.  More info 

DEALS & SPECIALS

Celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day on Oct. 4 with a $1 MiniBon from Cinnabon (multiple locations). Existing Cinnabon Rewards members, along with any new guests who sign up during the week of National Cinnamon Roll Day, will receive a mystery offer to use on their next visit. The mystery offer will be added to their account on Oct. 5 and can be used throughout the month of October (expiring on 10/31). More info

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a BOGO for the Bold deal throughout October. Guests who order the Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza or Bacon & Brussels Pizza in a participating restaurant or online will receive a FREE Take & Bake Pizza from one of five best-selling flavors to enjoy later at home. More info

Velvet Taco is offering a special deal on Taco Tuesdays for a limited time. Customers can enjoy the original 2011 pricing of $3.75 per taco for the Spicy Chicken Tikka. The special deal is available for in-person orders or through the Velvet Taco website or app. More info

OKTOBERFEST

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (multiple locations) is offering the Bratwurst Burger for Oktoberfest. It features a house-made bratwurst patty with peppers and onions, topped with melted provolone cheese, tangy apple-sauerkraut, and whole grain dijonnaise on a pretzel bun. Served with Samuel Adams Octoberfest Beer Cheese for dunking. Available until Nov. 4 at all locations. More info

HOBNOB is wrapping up its Hobtoberfest celebration, ending Oct. 6. Highlights include $7 Weihenstephan and Monday Night Brewing Oktoberfest beers, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, and Brats & Buns. On Oct. 5, the Halcyon and Peachtree City locations are hosting their annual pig roast, featuring live entertainment, bourbon and beer specials, and a buffet of roasted pig and sides. The event includes the pig roast buffet, two beers, a take-home HOBNOB glass, and swag for $25. More info

Postino in Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta is celebrating Oktoberfest with Sierra Nevada Brewery's limited-release Oktoberfest Festbier paired with Postino’s guest favorite "Nick’s Board." This charcuterie spread features a warm, soft pretzel, Italian sausage, Spanish pork link, creamy pimento cheese, spicy Peruvian corn nuts, sweety drop peppers, and packo pickles. The cost is $27. More info

Your 3rd Spot on Chattahoochee Row is celebrating Oktoberfest from Oct. 3 to Nov. 3 with Bavarian-inspired food, drinks, games, and live entertainment. Games include pretzel throwing, keg bowling, and more. There’s karaoke on Thursdays, and larger events like stein-holding contests and conga lines on Saturdays. Menu items include bratwurst with cabbage and apples, beer-battered onion rings, and creamy horseradish sauce. Guests can enjoy these à la carte or as part of curated packages like the OktoberF3ST Taste & Explore experience, a seven-course tasting menu for $35 per person. On the beverage side, Your 3rd Spot is partnering with local favorite RoundTrip Brewing to offer a rotating selection of fall-inspired beers, including their Oktoberfest brew in one-liter mugs. Guests can also participate in a month-long beer-holding competition and follow their progress on the "lederboard." More info

FOOTBALL DEALS

Andy's Frozen Custard has launched a Sweet Treats Game Day Battle featuring the Georgia Bulldawg Concrete, made with Andy's creamy frozen custard, melted chocolate chips, and cherries. Through Nov. 30, every purchase of the Georgia Bulldawg Concrete automatically enters fans (#FANdys) into a weekly drawing for a chance to win FREE Andy's™ for a year. Guests can also order frozen treats to go for game days. More info

Tin Lizzy's has game days covered with a lineup of food and drink specials perfect for fans cheering on their favorite teams. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy $12 pitchers of Tin Lizzy’s lager and $9 Casa Noble margaritas. Drinks pair perfectly with bites like half trays of TL nachos for $5, Buffalo chicken nachos for $8, Buffalo cauliflower for $6, and "pickle brined" chicken tenders with Lizzy’s tendie sauce for $7. More info

Taffer's Tavern Alpharetta is offering exclusive deals and offers to their loyalty members to redeem during football games. These include free starters, desserts, entrees, BOGO offers, 50% off, and other special discounts. Customers must sign up for loyalty by the end of Wednesday each week to receive the offers for that week. Once signed up, customers are all set to receive the offers for the remainder of the football season. More info

New Realm Brewing Company has been named the Official Craft Beer Partner of Kennesaw State University. The first collaboration in this local partnership is the release of OWL IN American Lager, an homage to the Kennesaw State Owls, with packaging featuring the university’s signature black and gold color palette and the signature Owls emblem. It is available in select markets year-round. More info

FUNDRAISERS

Little Rey in Atlanta is donating all proceeds from the sale of its new pumpkin spice soft serve to the victims of Hurricane Helene through Oct. 20.

Snooze A.M. Eatery is participating in Giving Kitchen's Dining with Gratitude 2024 at all seven of their Georgia locations. As part of their involvement, Snooze will donate 25% of all Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancake sales to the Giving Kitchen from Oct. 1-31. More info

Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, the Savannah-based sister brands with locations in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta and Hilton Head Island, are marking the end of their quarterly fundraising with a ZUNZIFEST! celebration on Oct. 8. Members of Zunzi’s + Zunzibar’s 26 CLUB are invited to stop by any location to receive a free regular Conquistador or a vegan option upon request from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. To join The 26 CLUB, text "ZUNZIFEST!" to 912-207-7551. On the morning of ZUNZIFEST!, guests will receive a code to show the team upon arrival. All locations will close early at 3 p.m. for a special appreciation party for their teams.

OTHER NEWS

The Georgia Restaurant Association has announced this year's finalists and honoress for the 2024 GRA Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards, which will be announced at Georgia Aquarium on Dec. 9. Also, Alan and Cindy LeBlanch, founders of Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group, will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.

2024 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS + HONOREES

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Alan & Cindy LeBlanc, Founders, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Goldbergs Group, Bradley Saxe
K5 Hospitality, Ayman Kamel
Painted Hospitality, Justin Amick & William Stallworth
Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3rd Spot), Josh Rossmeisl

RESTAURATEUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Cubanos ATL, Ozzy Llanes, Jr.
Flour + Time Bakery, Michael & Leah Bajalia
Mad Dads Philly's Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Chef Tony & Pamela Sharpe
Omakase Table + Ryokou, Leonard Yu

INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
DASH Hospitality Group, David Abes
Fulton County Schools (Culinary Arts Programs at Alpharetta High School, Fulton Schools College & Career Academy, Riverwood International Charter School and Tri-Cities High School), Dustin Davis-Austin
Lexicon Strategies (#86TheStigma Campaign), Brian Tolleson
TSC Associates, Thomas Hallford

HOSPITALITY HERO OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, Maria Fundora
Electric Hospitality, Michael Lennox
Rally Point Grille, Carrie Roeger
Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, Chris Smith

RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jace Reeder, Fenders Diner and Fenders Alley

RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Key Evans, Red Beard Restaurants (Gunshow + Nàdair)

People’s Choice Award Honorees + Hall of Fame Inductees will be announced live at the Georgia Aquarium on Dec. 9, 2024. To learn more about the GRACE Awards or to sponsor and purchase tickets, visit garestaurants.org/GRACE.

If you would like to submit information for this roundup or a future roundup, send an email with details and photos to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.